I can say for sure that your water pump impeller is plastic. I had a new BAT water pump with the metal impeller installed and saved the original.
I had 45,000 miles on my 2000 V6 when I switched the pump and damper. I did not have any problems with either, but I am planning on needing my Contour for another 80,000 miles. I figured that the upgrades were cheap insurance.
I will probably install the new BAT/Ford baffled oil pan as well, and for the same reason.
